Wednesday 24 August was another fine, warm day. Not as warm as Tuesday but pleasant enough for a walk. With no arrivals or departures we headed to the Goyt Valley to do a four mile walk to enjoy the heather which we reckoned would be at its peak. We parked at the Goyt Lane car park and took the path down to Wildmoorstone Brook where we picked up a track which follows the River Goyt. This was a good track to start with but once we passed the bottom of the reservoir the path narrowed and was quite boggy in places. We had to fight our way through bracken as well. It was very humid as well as sunny and warm. When we reached the spot near Goytsclough Quarry where we hoped to eat lunch we found we had been beaten to it by some families. Still a little further on we found a little footbridge over the river with a sunny verge to eat lunch (avoiding a nearby wasps nest). From here we carried on along the path only to realise as we turned into Berry Clough that we had missed the path we wanted to pick up. We retraced our steps and discovered the sign for the path we needed was hidden in the bracken. We now started to ascend up the valley slope and at the top had nice views across to Burbage Edge and the surrounding countryside. The path was easier up here at first but as the path started to descend by a wall it got quite stony. The final descent was very steep and it was a relief to get back down onto a solid track! From here it was a short walk back up to the car park from Wildmoorstone Brook. It was quite late in the afternoon so we headed to Monyash to pick up an ice cream before the cafe closed. Then we drove round to Taddington to view the well dressing. By now it had clouded over but it stayed warm enough to eat dinner al fresco and we had a lovely colourful sunset. Enjoy the photos.
Saturday 20 August saw a taste of Autumn with strong winds although it was not cold. Showers held off long enough for Chris to cut the grass. One very heavy shower gave us to same amount of rain as Friday in the space of minutes. Two departures and three arrivals with two cleaners here. Time for paper work in between arrivals, one of which was a returning guest. Sunday was forecast to be fine but the morning saw a number of passing light showers before the weather settled in the afternoon. One departure but no arrivals. Down to Bakewell to get the paper and we walked round to the Agricultural Center where a food and home festival was supposed to be taking place but there was no sign of anything going on so we assumed it had been cancelled. A quiet day for us although I did some housework. Monday was a mild day although wetter 
than expected with waves of showers through the day. One arrival and one cleaner here. Accounts in the afternoon and in the evening I went to Over Haddon for the Village Hall Committee meeting. It was dark when I drove home, nights are noticeably closing in. Tuesday was sunny and very warm. No departures but one arrival with cottage already prepared. Off to Edensor for coffee and cake and then Chatsworth Farm Shop to pick up some food for a picnic. A quiet afternoon with Chris weed spraying and I sorted out the cleaning rota for the weekend. Our guests arrived later in the afternoon and with a picnic already packed we walked to Kirk Dale. Despite the warm evening sunshine we cut our picnic short because we were being plagued by flies. Never mind. At least back home we were able to sit outside and enjoy the warmth without being disturbed by the flies.
Wednesday 17 August started cloudy but the sun was out by lunchtime. Still warm. No departures but a last minute cancellation of the days arrival. We had already planned a walk for the day up at Hathersage to view the heather. We stopped for lunch at Cintras in Hathersage before parking at Surprise View. The heather was still in good condition and we enjoyed a three mile walk in the warm sunshine with far reaching views. Even managed an ice cream from the van before we left. A quiet evening back home. Thursday was similarly to Wednesday weather wise and still warm. Again no departures or arrivals and after lunch we headed to Buxton to get a few bits. We had a walk around the town looking at how work was progressing on the Crescent before heading off to the Goyt Valley as we wanted to see what the heather was like here. Driving out of the valley we came across a bridge deep in a ravine that we’ve not spotted before so we stopped and explored. 
Onward to The Peak View Cafe on the Cat and Fiddle Road (pub still closed) where we enjoyed tea and a piece of cake looking towards Shuttlingsloe. Headed back home and as we drove through Harpur Hill we stopped at Grinlow Country Park and had a walk up to Solomon’s Temple. We hadn’t done this approach before and it has been a number of years since we admired the views of Buxton from this high point. Back home and an early tea so I could go dancing. Friday was abysmal weather wise. Wet and cooler although humid. More rain on Friday than all of August. One arrival and departure and a cleaner here. Down to Bakewell later in the day for a change as I had an opticians appointment after which I picked up provisions for the weekend. While I was in Bakewell our guests arrived. At least it dried up in the evening. Enjoy the photos from 
Saturday 13 August was another dry warm day. A busy day with five departures and four arrivals and three cleaners here, one of which was the one I interviewed on Friday. Most guests here by 4pm but final one arrived at 7.30. For once none of the arrivals were returning guests. Sunday was forecast to be fine but it was cloudy for most of the day with the sun eventually coming out later in the evening. Two 
departures and one arrival with cottage already prepared. Down to Bakewell to get the paper and ended up walking Smudge in the park with Karen and Mark and their dogs. The Bakewell Baking Festival was taking place on the Showground and featured some previous winners of Bake-off. A quiet day at 
home and after the guests arrived later in the afternoon we went down to the tearoom for some cake. Monday was a pleasantly warm sunny day. No departures with one arrival and a cleaner here. Did some gardening jobs with Chris watering plants again. Took advantage of the nice weather with a BBQ in the evening. Tuesday was another warm day with almost wall to wall sunshine. Two departures and two arrivals with a cleaner here. More gardening jobs with both cottages arriving later in the afternoon, including an Italian couple that stay regularly. Having already prepared a picnic we headed to Over Haddon and parked in the car park before walking down the lane to the Dale. This took fifteen minutes because we kept meeting people we know! We walked along the Dale which was very depleted of water, the lowest we can ever remember it, and at Conksbury Bridge we headed back up the hill back towards Over Haddon. Our normal picnic spot had already been bagged by another couple but we found another location further along where we enjoyed the warm evening sun. A hot air balloon passed over, we haven’t seen many of those this year. Back at Over Haddon we stopped for a quick drink at the pub before making our way home.
Monday 8 August was a cooler day with a few light showers. No departures but a couple of arrivals and a cleaner here. Did some accounts in the afternoon. Down to Bakewell on Tuesday morning to get hair cut and buy some provisions. One cleaner here with a further departure and arrival. Another cool day with some showers. More accounts in the afternoon and in the evening took Smudge for a nice long walk in the fields. Wednesday dawned sunny and mild and stayed that 
way until later in the afternoon. Just what was needed for the Ashover show. Set off late morning with the aim of having lunch at a cafe on the way but with the main road to Ashover closed due to an accident we couldn’t reach the cafe. Using a map we managed to negotiate the minor lanes to arrive at the back of the show and drive straight into 
one of the car parks in the quickest time we have ever done! Spent an enjoyable few hours wandering around the show bumping into people we know and looking at the exhibits and animals. Set off home late afternoon stopping at the Peak Village on the way. Noticed the heather was coming out up on Beeley Moor. One arrival in our absence and by the evening we had a little rain. Thursday was dull but still mild. No arrivals or departures and a quiet day. In the afternoon I went to Sainsburys in Matlock and in the evening I returned to dance classes for a summer session of three classes. Friday saw a warm sunny day with a departure and arrival. One cleaner here and interviewed another for Saturdays. Down to Bakewell first thing to get provisions for the weekend. A quiet afternoon with paying bills and preparations for Saturday.
Friday 5th August was a warm and mainly sunny day. Three departures and two late arrivals. Down to Bakewell which was busy with clearing up from the Bakewell show well underway. At home there was a mass break out of cows from one of Andrew’s fields when a gate was left accidentally open. With cars behind them they set off for Monyash but luckily they were diverted into another field. Chris went to help Andrew bring them back with me remaining at home on standby but I wasn’t needed. This was only the second time since we have been here that a number of cows have gone AWOL. Later in the evening more broke out from another field when they were spooked by some local fireworks but they were eventually recaptured. A lovely evening so we had a BBQ. Saturday was a warm and a busy day. With a number of departures and arrivals there were three cleaners here and with no problems and early departures all cleaning and checks completed by lunchtime. All arrivals here by 5pm and with a warm evening in store I thought it was about time we had another picnic. Initially I thought about Chatsworth Gardens that are open in the evening in August weekends but they were not open until the following weekend. So we opted for the next best thing with a picnic in Chatsworth Park with the house as a backdrop. Sunday was pleasant but a breeze took the edge of the temperatures. Departures and arrivals kept me busy but found some time to relax. The road down to Bakewell was blocked by a fallen branch later in the day, probably knocked down by a passing tractor and trailer.
Monday 1 August started sunny but clouded up during the day with rain arriving in the evening. With no arrivals or departures we went down to the market. There was no cattle market because of the Bakewell show so Bakewell was a little less busy than usual. Andrew had his last field silaged and baled on Sunday so he was moving bales back to the farm during the day. Tuesday was the equestrian day at the Bakewell show. It was a murky day with drizzle but it was mild. One arrival but most of the day went on accounts and paperwork. Wednesday was forecast to be a fine day. One departure and one arrival with cottage already prepared. With it being the first day of the Bakewell show we thought we would head in a different direction. We set off to the Roaches to see how the heather was doing, answer not ready yet but not far off. We had put the walking boots into the car but as it had clouded up and was breezy we dispensed with a walk and headed to Leek after stopping at the Roaches tea room. Did not realise it was also market day in Leek so it was a busy. Two markets in one week! Back home late afternoon just before guests arrived. Later in the evening there were a number of passing showers. Thursday was a quiet day with one departure. Did some gardening and washing mats from vacant cottages. A number of showers around lunchtime but a pleasant afternoon. Second day of Bakewell show. In the evening we went to the Royal Oak at Hurdlow where we had a nice meal. Smudge came too and afterwards we had a walk along the High Peak Trail before returning home.
Monday 25 July was a bit cooler but dry until the evening. One changeover and Chris watered and fed the hanging baskets which were looking very good. The afternoon went on accounts. Tuesday started fine but clouded up in the afternoon with a few light showers. No changeovers and in the morning we went to Buxton to do some shopping. The afternoon went on paperwork. Wednesday was a mild day with some sunny spells. Andrew’s neighbours were silaging. Hay making has been taking place locally and there is a regular procession of farm machinery going up and down the road. A busy morning with phone calls and the afternoon again went on paperwork. One arrival and departure. Thursday had the worst forecast of the week for weather so I opted for a shopping day. We haven’t been to Junction 28 (M1) for a while so we headed there via Lea Gardens where we had coffee and cake. As we drove down Via Gellia we saw they were getting ready for the Y Not (music) Festival at Pikehall. Madness were one of the acts performing at the weekend. It was dry but overcast at Lea Gardens but by the time we got to the shopping center it was raining. Back via Matlock later in the afternoon where we stopped and had a look around the new M&S food hall. By the time we got home it had brightened up. Friday was overcast and damp. Down to Bakewell for banking and shopping. Departures but no arrivals but cleaning took place and most of the day went on tidying up and preparing for Saturday. Saturday was a hectic day with numerous departures and arrivals and probably the busiest Saturday of the year. Three cleaners, one regular, one new and one relief cleaner here but everything got done and was ready by the time guests arrived. A sunny mild day and Chris cut the grass. Sunday was a pleasant and quiet day with one arrival and a lovely evening to take Smudge out for his walk in the back fields.
We set off from home mid morning on Thursday 21st July and had a coffee and cake stop at Hassop Station. We arrived in Edale late morning and after parking up at the main car park we had a little stroll around the village. We called in at the Moorlands Center and also had a look around the Grade 11 listed church. There is a memorial to the three scouts who died in the 1964 Four Inns Walk which passes through Edale. This tragedy led to the formation of the Mountain Rescue Teams as we know them today. Then we booted up and headed to the start of the Pennine Way. I had planned a short circular walk along the Pennine Way to Upper Booth then back to Edale along field paths. We stopped for lunch on the Pennine Way with views of Lose Hill, Back Tor, Hollins Cross, Mam Tor and Rushup Edge. Although the day started sunny it clouded up but stayed warm and dry until we got home. As we approached Upper Booth we had a better view of the slopes of Kinder Scout, we’ll save that for another time. The walk was easy with gates along the field paths rather than stiles which was nice for all of us. Walking back to Edale we had to cross the Sheffield – Manchester rail line which goes along the valley floor and we saw the entrance to the Cowburn Tunnel as the line went through the hills. We drove out of the valley at the back of Mam Tor and down into Castleton via Winnats Pass before driving home via Calver where we stopped at the new outdoor shop. Further on we had a look at the Bridge Inn which has recently changed hands. The new menu looks interesting so we will have to try it soon. The rain started just after we got home. Enjoy the 
Monday 18 July was a warm day. I had hoped for a picnic in the evening but with a meeting scheduled at the Village Hall for the committee we had an early BBQ instead. Tuesday was even hotter and the hottest day of the year. A quiet day starting with coffee with our neighbours and again I had thought about a picnic but we had an invitation to join the tearoom for a BBQ in the evening with some locals so we did a trip to the Chatsworth Farm Shop for some provisions. Enjoyed the warm weather for a while in the afternoon and prepared some food for the BBQ which we enjoyed. Wednesday was still warm. Paperwork in the morning and Bookers in the afternoon. On the way back we stopped in Bakewell where we ended up sheltering in the Co-Op with some former guests who have now moved to Bakewell when a storm suddenly broke. At least it cleared the air. In the evening some of our guests came round for drink and at least it was dry enough to sit outside. While we were out cutting for a second silage took place in Andrews fields on this side of the road. Thursday was still warm but it clouded up but we decided on a walk in Edale ( separate blog to follow). While we were away the silage was rowed and collected and it was finished by the time we got back so I have no photos. Friday was still warm and the day went on catching up and dealing with arrivals and departures. Saturday was also warm, probably the last of the warm days. Down to Bakewell for the Farmers Market which was a week early due to the Bakewell Show. Busy with arrivals and departures and by the end of the day all the seven cottages in were existing guests. Even had another BBQ but the had plenty of food from the Farmers Market. Sunday was mild but overcast with a last minute booking arriving that afternoon otherwise a quiet day.